Seafood bisque is the kind of dish that instantly elevates any meal. Velvety, rich, and deeply flavored, this creamy soup brings together the delicate sweetness of crab and the soft, tender bite of shrimp in a sophisticated blend of herbs, aromatics, and cream.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting, restaurant-quality soup at home, Crab and Shrimp Bisque is a timeless favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make.
In this full article, you’ll find the history of bisque, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, and serving ideas.
⭐ What Is a Bisque?
Bisque is a traditional French soup known for its:
Smooth, creamy texture
Slow-cooked seafood flavor
Rich, velvety consistency
Originally, bisques were made with ground seafood shells, but modern versions focus more on using stock, cream, butter, herbs, and tender pieces of seafood.
This crab & shrimp version is lighter to prepare but just as flavorful.
🍲 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
Ingredients
Seafood
200g cooked crab meat (fresh or canned)
200g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter (for sautéing shrimp)
Soup Base
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
Finishing Touches
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley
Optional: a splash of white wine
🧑🍳 How to Make Crab & Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Sauté the Shrimp
In a pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink.
Set aside and chop into bite-size pieces.
- Build the Flavor Base
In a large heavy pot:
- Melt 3 tbsp butter
- Add onion, celery, and carrot
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
- Add Flour (Roux)
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables.
Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
This roux thickens your bisque.
- Add Stock and Tomatoes
Slowly pour in the seafood stock while whisking.
Add:
Tomato paste
Bay leaf
Paprika
Cayenne
Simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Blend for Smoothness
Remove the bay leaf.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky.
(Or blend in batches.)
- Add Cream and Seafood
Stir in heavy cream.
Add:
Chopped shrimp
Crab meat
Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Finish the Bisque
Add:
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Do not boil once the cream is added.
🔥 Chef Tips for the Best Bisque
✔ Use seafood stock
It gives a deeper ocean flavor.
✔ Don’t skip the blending
This is what makes a bisque velvety.
✔ Add wine for restaurant-style flavor
A splash of dry white wine enhances acidity and aroma.
✔ Use quality crab
Lump crab meat works best.
✔ Add seafood at the end
Overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery.
🌶 Variations
- Lobster & Crab Bisque
Replace shrimp with lobster meat.
- Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque
Add:
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Extra cayenne
- Cream-Free Lighter Bisque
Use:
Evaporated milk
Or coconut milk for a twist
- Thick Creamy Bisque
Add 1 extra tbsp flour to the roux.
🍽️ What to Serve With Seafood Bisque
Seafood bisque pairs beautifully with:
Garlic bread
Crusty French baguette
Toasted sourdough
Green salad
Parmesan crisps
Grilled shrimp skewers
For fancy dinners, serve it in small bowls as a starter.
📦 Storage
Refrigerator: up to 3 days
Freezer: not recommended (cream separates)
Reheat gently—do not boil
🦀🦐 Final Thoughts
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious yet approachable recipe that brings gourmet flavor straight to your kitchen. With its creamy texture, deep seafood richness, and elegant finish, it’s a dish perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
